Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Among Players Nominated for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2023
Lionel Messi has featured in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 in 16 consecutive years. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo had made the dream team in 15 straight seasons, as he missed out in 2022.
The FIFA FIFPRO World 11 are annual awards for both men and women category depicting the best footballers in the current game. These awards are given based on the votes. Votes are provided by the football players only. Players have the flexibility to cast their votes for any of their fellow peers. While the voting tool provides a reference list with around 250 names, players have the option to include additional names not already featured on the list. 'What a Special Night...' Cristiano Ronaldo Enjoys New Year Celebrations With Family, Al-Nassr Star Shares Pics on Instagram.
FIFPRO and player unions distribute specific unique links that give players from all around professional football clubs access to the digital voting platform from where they can cast votes for their fellow peers. The formation is also specifically decided for these awards. The goalkeeper, along with three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards who receive the most votes are named in the World 11. The remaining spot is provided to an outfield player with the next highest number of votes who was not already selected.
There is only one global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers i.e. the FIFA FIFPRO World 11. Around 22,000 men's football players have voted for their team of the year, which will be revealed on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the Best FIFA Football Awards in London, England.
Lionel Messi has featured in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 in 16 consecutive years. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo had made the dream team in 15 straight seasons, as he missed out in 2022. Messi won the World Cup with his Argentina squad in 2022, which was a dream run as said by many. Messi has contributed less on the club level for his former club PSG and for their current club Inter Miami. Ronaldo ended 2023 as the top-scorer including goals from club and country which is impressive considering his age. Argentina to Retire Lionel Messi's Jersey Number 10 Once Star Footballer Announces Retirement From National Team.
FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 2023 Nominees
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Ederson (Manchester City), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/Barcelona), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Rodri (Manchester City), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/Al-Ittihad), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham/Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain/Inter Miami), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2024 10:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).